Harmanpreet credits bowlers for defending 95

India Women gained an invincible 2-0 lead against Bangladesh Women on Tuesday (July 11) in the ongoing three-match T20I series in Mirpur. Opting to bat first, India only managed a total of 95 for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs. However, the bowlers stepped up to choke the Bangladeshi batting unit. 

For the third time in the format, India Women have defended a total of less than 100 in a completed 20-over game.

“We showed character in the second innings,” said India’s skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur. “Got to give credit to all our bowlers, they were bowling under pressure but they did well and also the fielders.”

Deepti Sharma picked 3/12 while Minnu Mani conceded only nine runs in her four overs at the cost of two wickets. Defending 10 in the final over, Shafali Verma pouched three wickets allowing only one run. There was a run out as well making it four wickets in the over. Bangladesh collapsed from 86/6 to 87 all out in the final over. 

For Bangladesh, the skipper Nigar Sultana scored 38. The next highest entry on the scorecard for Bangladesh was 18 extras (including 15 wides) followed by Shorna Akter - 7. 

Sultana and Akter had a 34-run stand which was the highest partnership in the game. Sultana was stumped in the penultimate over which turned the game according to the right-handed batter. “Keeping India below 100 is a wonderful job by the bowlers. The batters needed to finish it. Including me, I should have ended the game,” said Nigar Sultana after the loss. 

Deepti Sharma was the player of the match. Alongside picking three wickets at an economy of 4, she also scored 10 runs with the bat off 14 deliveries. 

“I really enjoyed this kind of track and it was helpful to the spinners. My plan was really simple and just bowl according to the situation, bowl more dot balls,” she said later. “Everyone did well as a team and whenever I get the opportunity with the bat, I want to do well,” Deepti added. 

Bangladesh had an injury in their camp while fielding. Sobhana Mostary had to be concussed out after hitting her head on the ground while taking a catch of Amanjot Kaur. 

“She is under treatment and I wish we will get her for the next match,” updated Sultana on Mostary’s condition.